Elephant seals in Antarctica are a improbable sight to behold on any journey to Antarctica and one of many region’s most distinctive and recognisable species. Considered one of our favorite species is the Elephant Seal, listed below are some enjoyable info about these magnificent creatures and the environment they inhabit. An Antarctic cruise is an icy safari, with many different species of animals to observe. Females are smaller and weigh around 7 - 800 kg. An grownup male Elephant seal can weigh up to 5 tonnes and measure up to six and a half metres! Elephant seal infants when born weigh around 50 kilograms. Within three months they'll weigh 150kg! Pups are generally born from September to October when their mothers come ashore at their berthing beaches across the continent. The gestation interval for a feminine Elephant seal is 9 months. Elephant seals are extremely social animals and kind large groups or harems for a month through the breeding season. Elephants seals are amongst the largest carnivores in the world consuming squid and fish as the primary sources of meals of their weight loss plan, and have been measured diving as much as as much as 2000m deep and might hold breath for up to two hours! Sexual dimorphism is a physical difference between the male and feminine of a species. Males may be up to 10 occasions the weight of reproductive females. Elephant seals can be found throughout the Antarctic region, but are most prevalent across the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands. They were hunted for his or her blubber throughout the sealing days. Only 2 - 3 % of male Elephant seals truly breed. London alone used 20,000 tonnes of elephant seal oil to gentle the city a 12 months. These animals have grown from a small group of animals, and do lack genetic variety, so there are still concerns over the future of these animals. Nonetheless, from a small group of animals left, there are now an estimated inhabitants of 150,000 which dwell mainly across the Baja Gulf in Mexico and on the shores of Southern California, USA. Their predominant predator is the Orca, and in the northern most part of their range.. Giant sharks. Leopard seals have additionally been recognized to attack and kill stray young. They are called elephant seals attributable to quite a lot of reasons, partly because of their measurement and likewise partly because of the male snout or trunk that inflates to impress and intimidate rivals when competing with different males for his harem. The depth and volume of the sound is a demonstration to others how powerful he's, and thus so avoids fights with competing males. The trunk is inflated with air which is inhaled and thus a loud bellowing sound is produced. Benefit from the majestic Elephant seal on a cruise to Antarctica, however keep your distance - regardless of their measurement they will move fast on land, and are extremely aggressive when protecting their territory and young. Typically they are not afraid of man, nonetheless if disturbed while resting, reproducing or marking territory they can be a unique proposition. Keep clear as per most wildlife you encounter in your cruise. Despite once being on the endangered checklist, due to the safety of the Antarctic treaty, the Southern Elephant seal is now not in any quick danger. Thanks to Dr Mikolaj Golachowski for helping put this collectively. However, over-fishing of Antarctic waters and human activities might sooner or later see some points with their native habitat. stuffed animal Dr. Miko was a lecturer on-board our final PinkTarctica Antarctic expedition to the Peninsula and is a leading skilled on Elephant seals and their behaviour. Dr. Mikolaj is a native of Poland, and was base commander of the Polish base on the Antarctic Peninsula for a number of seasons.
